Generational Archives

Generational Archives

By Generational Archives with Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma Thomas

In this podcast, Dr. Norma D. Thomas and Dr. Raina J. León, present a show where they connect, heal, uncover through intergenerational conversations and archival research. A mother-daughter team, they have been collaborating on writing, facilitation, education projects, and research for ... well all of Raina's life. This podcast explores the closeness of their relationship and how they are together practicing attunement with their ancestors through their ancestral recovery work. They are pushing to learn the forgotten and erased names ... and will teach you how to do that, too!
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Generational Early Birds: What the archives won't hold

Generational ArchivesMay 17, 2023
00:00
28:02
Generational Futurism with Dr. Yalonda JD Green

Generational Futurism with Dr. Yalonda JD Green

In this episode, we joined by guest, Dr. Yalonda JD Green, an interdisciplinary artist and academic librarian from Detroit. She talks with us around preparing our own archives and when to partner with external institutions. Dr. Green has had her poetic work appear in TORCH, Reverie, Mythium, various anthologies, bus shelters, on stages, and other creative spaces. She has been awarded fellowships from Cave Canem and American Library Association Spectrum Scholars as well as residencies at the Fine Arts Work Center and Delaware Writers Retreat. As a versatile performer, seasoned educator, and former children’s librarian, JD loves to play. She has gleefully participated in frequent musical collaborations, voiceover and improvisational projects, studio and stage work, documentary and indie film, youth music camps, children’s television shows, and many more community-enriching experiments.
Nov 26, 202401:06:54
Generational Bins Float (Surviving the Apocalypse)

Generational Bins Float (Surviving the Apocalypse)

Post-election, we share some strategies to survive what's coming. Podcast Episode recorded in November 2024 Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Nov 26, 202446:46
Generational Doings with Mrs, Nancy Lee-Reed

Generational Doings with Mrs, Nancy Lee-Reed

In this beginning of Season 3, we share an interview with beloved community leader Mrs. Nancy Lee-Reed as she tells her story of coming to Uniontown, PA from Mississippi. Podcast Episode recorded in October 2024 Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript available at Descript.
Oct 16, 202453:51
Generational Threads: Fabric Art Archives

Generational Threads: Fabric Art Archives

When babies are expected, a community may gather to offer gifts of care to the parents in the form of quilted, crocheted, or knitted items. In this episode, in expectation of Raina's third child, Aliseo, we talk about the pieces that Dr. Thomas received as a new mother and handed down to Dr. León and then what was created for Raina's children specifically. Do you know where the quilts in your house came from? Ask for (and write down and share) the story! Podcast Episode recorded in May 2024 Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No transcript is available at this time.
Jun 21, 202421:13
Generational Mysteries: Walter Satterwhite

Generational Mysteries: Walter Satterwhite

Walter Satterwhite was the grandfather who never was for Dr. Norma D. Thomas. She grew up never knowing him, which meant that she also didn't know that she had an aunt and uncle in New York. What do you do when your ancestors insist on being known? In this case, you follow the story and ask more questions. Learning more took her, her sisters, and eventually her daughter to New York. Interview done in November 2023 and episode recorded in March 2024. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠
Jun 21, 202428:43
Generational Secrets: John Logan and the Supreme Court

Generational Secrets: John Logan and the Supreme Court

In this episode, we share the discover of a relative, executed in the electric chair, whose case went all the way to the Supreme Court. It's been nearly a hundred years since John Logan was killed ... but why was his story never told until now? Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠
Nov 09, 202321:14
Generational Seeding with guest Je-Shawna Wholley

Generational Seeding with guest Je-Shawna Wholley

In this episode, we have guest, Je-Shawna Wholley, founder of Earthseed, who shares her own journey with generational research and the work of creating a space for other Black creatives and researchers to learn more about our people. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠
Oct 11, 202349:15
Generational Dreams Come True

Generational Dreams Come True

She said, "Don't dream around Raina," but what happens if you do? Those dreams come true! In this episode, we talk about the building that will become the African American Museum of Fayette County, developing from the traveling museum. We talk programs, inspirations (Paul Robeson Museum, The Colored Girls Museum, and Libromobile among others), and the work to come. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠
Sep 28, 202331:15
Generational Resolve: You Gotta Keep Going!

Generational Resolve: You Gotta Keep Going!

So what do you do when you get stuck in your archival research? You research alongside, talk to your people, and when an opening occurs, you never wait! This episode talks about some strategies to get unstuck, Facebook groups that can be good resources, and also trusting in the ancestors' revelations that will be right on time. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠
Sep 20, 202322:43
Generational Handle Your Business

Generational Handle Your Business

In this episode, we talk about handling your business: wills, insurance/policies, communication, organization, etc. and what that will open to you in assuring smooth transfers after we transition, preservation of our legacies, and even opportunities to connect to our ancestors through dreams. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠
Sep 13, 202325:36
Generational Remembrance: Eliza Alberta Hill and the power of a census ... and stained glass

Generational Remembrance: Eliza Alberta Hill and the power of a census ... and stained glass

In this episode, we talk about some of the core documents to help you on your genealogical journey: documents like the census ... and artifacts such as tombstones and stained glass. What can you find on those documents? And how can these documents give context to learning about your family? Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠
Aug 30, 202319:00
Generational Know-How: How do you get the birth certificates of your people

Generational Know-How: How do you get the birth certificates of your people

In this episode, we talk about some of the core documents to help you on your genealogical journey: birth certificates, death certificates, and social security applications. What can you find on those documents? What are some of the regional differences? And how can these documents give context to learning about your family? We even talk about use of these documents in researching aunts and uncles, which may help you to get past barriers in your research. This podcast was recorded in Zoom so there are some lags. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠
Aug 17, 202331:50
Generational Storytelling

Generational Storytelling

In this episode, we share some of the stories of Daddy Ning, Miguel Angel Léon, who was a Merchant Marine, sailed the world, and taught his children to fight and that no one could take away their self worth. We also use childhood photographs to get to more stories. What can you learn from the story of someone's grandfather? What do you know about yours? Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
Aug 09, 202327:35
Generational Archives Up Ahead

Generational Archives Up Ahead

In this episode, we talk about what we have learned from the last season, important discoveries, and what's coming (a permanent space for the museum, introductions to archival research, curriculum development, and more travel and connecting!) Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here. You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
Aug 02, 202321:01
Generational Pourquoi: Papi shares origin stories

Generational Pourquoi: Papi shares origin stories

In this special episode, one of two, we interview Eddie León on his beginnings. The narrative extends from his beginnings in New York to Philadelphia, the struggle of coming up with his father traveling as a Merchant Marine most of the year (and common struggles of Puerto Ricans finding their way in New York City in the 1950s), and more. There's even a story of evil spirits, the landlord who sought to use spells to ill effect and got caught up in his own ill will, and more ... all shared over the perfect cup of coffee. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
Jun 07, 202331:42
Generational Optimism: Lessons from Uncle Pete

Generational Optimism: Lessons from Uncle Pete

This episode finds our podcast hosts in far-flung locations: Viareggio, Italy and Las Vegas, NV. The interview was done with James Thomas by Dr. Norma D. Thomas and is introduced by Dr. Raina J. León. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
May 31, 202328:32
Generational Gatherings: Family Reunions

Generational Gatherings: Family Reunions

What is one magical moment from your childhood that you have never shared with others? Sharing those kinds of stories are important, because they will never be preserved in the documents or archives ... unless they are inscribed in a journal or something like that. This episode focuses on the importance of keeping a family reunion tradition and sharing documents, memories, stories, artifacts, and more. Share with us how you preserve the undocumented stories in the comments! Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
May 24, 202326:08
Generational Early Birds:  What the archives won't hold

Generational Early Birds: What the archives won't hold

The documents can tell you a lot, but what won't they tell you? Left-handed or not? Are your people mostly early birds or night owls? Do they like the taste of cilantro or think it tastes like soap? In this episode, we give updates of our trip to South Carolina, discoveries with the census and how my (Raina's) grandmother lived in a place we never knew (which may ultimately lead to a discovery about the location of my aunt's birth), and discoveries about our ancestor named Picky. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
May 17, 202328:02
Generational Reconciliation: Nana Sarah

Generational Reconciliation: Nana Sarah

What must it feel like to lose your children? And how do your children reconcile the loss? In this podcast, we talk about Nana Sarah, the mother of Queen Ester, what we have learned about her from the records and how she appears and disappears within them (as well as in the memories of even her own family. Tell us how this inspires you to learn more about your family, even the secrets, how you get free of shame and move towards reconciliation and honoring of memories. We also talk about the promises we have made our ancestors and how we keep them in this moment. Join us! Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
May 10, 202333:50
Generational Faith: Mami Juanita.  Who taught you to pray?

Generational Faith: Mami Juanita. Who taught you to pray?

Who taught you to pray and what was your first prayer? That's our check-in question today before we consider what we have learned about Mami Juanita, Raina's paternal grandmother. In this episode, we share information from the birth certificates, interviews done in 2003 and 2014, her obituary, and personal recollections, hoping that our journey will inspire you on yours. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
May 03, 202344:34
Generational Detectives: Methods we used to find our people

Generational Detectives: Methods we used to find our people

We have shared a great deal about our people and the methods we used to find out more information about them. In this episode, we focus on the methods we used: from birth certificates to deeds, stories to showing up at the family reunion, we share many of the ways that we have found out about our people in the hopes that it will help you find yours. Cover photo from ⁠⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠⁠Descript and available here.⁠⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠⁠Patreon.
Apr 26, 202340:46
Generational Care: Grandpop was a DJ

Generational Care: Grandpop was a DJ

What do you really know about your own grandparents? In this episode, we learn that Eddie Thomas was a saint, a mechanic, a stubborn man, a loving husband, hoarder, a DJ, a puzzler, and a beloved father and grandfather and other things. Join us, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas as we share how we learned about him, through lived experience, stories, documents, photographs, and more ... and perhaps that might inspire you to learn about your kin, too. Cover photo from ⁠⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠⁠ Cover art from ⁠⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠⁠AudioCoffee⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠ Transcript from supported by ⁠Descript and available here.⁠ You can support our work through ⁠⁠Patreon.
Apr 19, 202333:20
Generational Honor:  Homegrounds and Cemeteries

Generational Honor: Homegrounds and Cemeteries

Do you know where your people are buried? When was the last time you attended to the graves there? How you attend to the departed is a reflection of your attention to yourself, your own body, your people and your future. In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, talk about the Black cemeteries of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, emphasizing the Thomas Family Cemetery and the Clearview Cemetery. Cover photo from ⁠Rohan DaCosta⁠ Cover art from ⁠Dr. Raina J. León⁠ Theme song, Funky Percussions, from ⁠AudioCoffee⁠ on ⁠Pixabay⁠ Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through ⁠Patreon.
Apr 12, 202330:05
Generational Beginnings Birth Stories

Generational Beginnings Birth Stories

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, share our own birth and birthing stories. Do you know yours? If you have children, have you shared their beginnings? Who was there to welcome them into the world? How have you maintained relationships in community? In our cases, we were both impacted by medicalized racism and had severe health impacts as many black mothers do. Black mothers die 4 times as much as their white peers, and the fear of that can be seen within these birth stories. Perhaps in telling the story we can make health professionals more aware of the issues; perhaps the awareness and professionals interrogating their own biases might save lives. Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Apr 05, 202331:20
Generational Connections:  Sibling Stories

Generational Connections: Sibling Stories

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, begin our check in talking about music, before going into a discussion of the siblings and beginnings of Dr. Norma D. Thomas. Do you know your siblings? Do you really? It took decades for Dr. Thomas to learn fuller stories about hers in some cases and she shares some of what she has done to document their lives and celebrate all of who they are (even when they really can't drive).   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Mar 29, 202337:39
Generational Legacies: Dr. Norma D. Thomas and starting with yourself

Generational Legacies: Dr. Norma D. Thomas and starting with yourself

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, start with the check in question "Were you spoiled as a child?" and what that even means before sharing Dr. Thomas's process in starting her ancestral research with herself.  She talks about the baby pictures that she has, her origins in Fayette County, PA (Uniontown) and all the documents that inform her self-discovery.  She also shares with us about how a part of her legacy creation work is documenting the lives of her children and grandchildren through albums.  This is not about ego; it is about legacy.  You and your people must be remembered.  You are worthy of archives.  Also, if you do not celebrate your greatness, who will?  This podcast shares strategies for celebrating your you and all that (and who) informs you.   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript. You can support our work through Patreon.
Mar 22, 202343:55
Generational Vision: Harry Logan and Lockhart Baptist Church

Generational Vision: Harry Logan and Lockhart Baptist Church

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, share with you, as a continuation of our South Carolina story, information about Harry Logan, blacksmith, church trustee, and community institution builder.  We share what we have learned about his history (perhaps with Boston connection), his determination and resolve to be free in all ways (including in love), his resistance and persistence, and his legacy at Lockhart.  We also share how sometimes what we remember differs from family members.  How does what you remember conflict or show another part of the story than your people remember?  Share that with us in the comments!  Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Mar 15, 202334:43
Generational Freedom: Journey to and through South Carolina

Generational Freedom: Journey to and through South Carolina

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, welcome you on our journey to South Carolina, the discoveries (SO MANY) that we make along the way with records, interviews, documents that appear from a trunk, ancestral answers through wind and dust, a car whipping around on the road, and so much more.   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Mar 08, 202342:41
Generational Pride: Black Fayette County and the Traveling Museum

Generational Pride: Black Fayette County and the Traveling Museum

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, share with you information on Fayette County in Western Pennsylvania and Black History.  Black History should be taught every day, not just during the month of February.  In this episode, we talk about the importance of learning your history to support the development of community and cultural pride, how teachers and young people can be partners in discovering and sharing the stories important to a community, and also some techniques and practices in creating cultural institutions.   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Mar 01, 202342:33
Generational Insight: Queen Ester

Generational Insight: Queen Ester

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, introduce you to Queen Ester, whose voice, after decades lost, appeared in a previously lost cassette tape.  Dr. Thomas shares a poem written for her mother, "Images".  We talk about preserving letters and the reliability of records (birth certificates and death certificates).  Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Feb 22, 202332:27
Generational Gumption: Grannie

Generational Gumption: Grannie

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, introduce you to Grannie, who lived a COLORFUL life.  She went to danced on the Apollo stage as Princess Olga, was a cigarette girl with Billie Holiday, a leader of the Evening Star, traveling widely.  She also also suffered the loss of her first son during a TB epidemic in 1947, while pregnant, an epidemic which ultimately saw her daughter also placed in a sanatarium with her two grandchildren, one who would not survive.  Even amidst the loss, Grannie laughed and welcomed and celebrated.  This episode celebrates her gumption and offers you some methods to find out more about your people Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Feb 15, 202326:05
Generational Talent: Aunt Doris

Generational Talent: Aunt Doris

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, introduce ourselves as collaborative creatives, scholars, and archivists through our continued consideration of talent.  We share an introduction to Aunt Doris through a discussion of the documents and methods we've used to learn more about her.  She was an adventurous vocalist who performed across genres, known for for singing in spiritual contexts, music comedies, on stage and on the silver screen, blues, jazz, and more.  She lived a long life, highly regarded for her talent, and when her brother became ill, she moved to Philadelphia to care for him, putting away the glitz and glamour of sequined costumes to become a beloved day laborer. In this episode, we celebrate Aunt Doris, what we were able to learn about her, her family and travels  while also perhaps inspiring listeners to listen, investigate, document, and learn more about the past to root themselves and cast healing and hope into the future. Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Feb 08, 202334:30
Generational Talent: Uncle Francis

Generational Talent: Uncle Francis

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, introduce ourselves as collaborative creatives, scholars, and archivists.  We share an introduction to Uncle Francis through a discussion of the documents and methods we've used to learn more about him.  He was a poet, musician, and vocalist, like his mother, aunt, sister and many others in the family, but he died young during the 1947 TB epidemic that struck much of the United States and especially Uniontown and Western PA.  In that epidemic, there was another member of our family, a barely one year old cousin of Francis who died.  Her sister, just a few years older, lost a lung but survived.  In this episode, though, we celebrate Francis, what we were able to learn about him, his wife, and his life while also perhaps inspiring listeners to listen, investigate, document, and learn more about the past to root themselves and cast healing and hope into the future.   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript from supported by Descript and available here. You can support our work through Patreon.
Feb 01, 202333:38
Introduction to Generational Archives

Introduction to Generational Archives

In this episode, we, Dr. Raina J. León and Dr. Norma D. Thomas, introduce ourselves as collaborative creatives, scholars, and archivists... and you get a sense of who we are as a duo.   Cover photo from Rohan DaCosta Cover art from Dr. Raina J. León Theme song, Funky Percussions, from AudioCoffee on Pixabay Transcript supported by Descript
Jan 25, 202304:33